Shettima Visits Kebbi as Tinubu Pledges to Secure Release of Abducted Students.

President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State to console the state government and reassure parents and guardians of kidnapped schoolgirls that efforts are underway to secure their swift release. He also extended condolences to the military over the deaths of soldiers, including Brigadier General Musa Uba, who lost his life fighting insurgents in Borno State.

The wife of the slain Vice Principal of Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, Amina Hassan, recounted how her daughter escaped during Monday night’s attack that led to the abduction of 25 schoolgirls.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt General Waidi Shaibu, has instructed troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify the search-and-rescue operation and leave no stone unturned. The Senate, in response, called for the urgent release of the students and urged President Tinubu to recruit at least 100,000 additional military personnel to address rising security challenges and Nigeria’s growing population.

US lawmaker Riley Moore condemned the abduction, while UNICEF called for stronger protections for children.

President Tinubu, fully briefed by the military on both the abduction and Brigadier General Uba’s death, expressed sadness over the incident and commended Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris for efforts to prevent the attack. He urged communities to provide intelligence to aid security forces in safeguarding schools and neighborhoods.

Mrs. Hassan detailed how bandits broke into their home around 3:30 a.m., killed her husband, and tried to abduct her daughter, who escaped into the bush, narrowly avoiding capture.

The COAS, during a visit to Kebbi, directed troops to intensify day and night operations, leveraging intelligence to conduct missions aimed at rescuing the abducted girls. He also engaged local vigilantes and hunters, stressing their role in providing intelligence and aiding the military’s operations.

The Senate called on President Tinubu to immediately recruit additional military personnel and set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the Safe School Programme, including funding and past failures. Senate leaders stressed the need for collective action, clear accountability, and better coordination among security agencies.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, condemned the abduction and prayed for the swift release of the students and peaceful repose for the slain Vice Principal.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also demanded urgent action to rescue the abducted girls, highlighting that the incident occurred on International Students’ Day, casting a shadow over planned celebrations. NANS called on the government to prevent recurring attacks on schools and recalled past tragedies, including the Chibok and Dapchi kidnappings, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced security in educational institutions.